food IS a theme park
We’re back with some more unexpected news from Disney World!
Ballooooons
This week brought us Star Wars: Rise of The Resistance news, new merchandise, and a few things missing in Disney World. Let’s dig in!
The 50th Anniversary is set to bring all kinds of new things to Disney World.
We’re Going to Disney World!
One of the perks that will be available starting on October 1st is Early Theme Park Entry. This special benefit gives all guests staying at Disney World Resort hotels and select other hotels the chance to enter any Disney World theme park 30 minutes early on any day! As we noted above, this perk was set to begin on October 1st, but it looks like plans have changed.
Today marks the first day that guests did not need to obtain a boarding pass to ride Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Rope Drop Crowds
And as a result, we saw some crowds and some pretty hefty wait times for the attraction that is currently only using a standby-only line. But there will soon be a few ways to beat the line!
Beginning October 1st, there will be a lot of changes in Disney World.
Cinderella Castle has been redecorated for the 50th Anniversary!
Not only is October 1st the first day of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, but it will also mark the beginning of Early Theme Park Entry, the opening of Steakhouse 71, and even the first day Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be available to the public. If you have a park reservation for October 1st or later, you can now see the Early Theme Park Entry times, and here’s how!
There’s a lot of construction going on at the Disney World hotels right now.
Construction at the Swan Reserve
Several lobby updates are happening, some new Moana-themed rooms were recently opened at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is getting all kinds of updates, and now a brand new Disney World hotel is opening soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Swan Reserve, opening soon in Disney World. [Read more…]
One of the best ways to end your Disney day is by watching a fireworks show over some of the iconic Disney landmarks.
Fireworks in Magic Kingdom!
At a new hotel, opening soon in Disney World, you’ll be able to see not one but TWO of Disney’s fireworks shows right from your hotel room! Where does this impossibly wonderful magic happen? We’re glad you asked.
If you’re heading to Disney World this fall, there are a few things you need to know!
The 50th is almost here!
The 50th Anniversary celebration kicks off on October 1st, meaning that it’s likely going to be crowded through the rest of this year. There are also new planning tools for your vacation, including the Disney Genie service that launches soon. And if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort, then you need to know about the new Early Theme Park Entry perk!
While many Disney World Resort hotel guests have been missing Extra Magic Hours, Disney recently announced “Early Theme Park Entry” as a replacement.
Magic Kingdom
Another new perk for select Disney World hotel guests will be Extended Evening Hours, which allows qualified guests times to stay late in designated Disney Parks on specific dates. Disney just added more dates and times to that list, so let’s go over it!
Extra Magic Hours haven’t been available at Disney World since it shut down back in 2020. Instead, Disney created new perks for hotel guests that aren’t quite the same as Extra Magic Hours but do allow guests more time in the parks.
Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom
Hotel guests on Disney property are able to get Early Theme Park Entry to all 4 theme parks, meaning they can go into the parks before they officially open. This includes guests at every Disney-owned hotel on property as well as Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Disney World’s on-property military hotel, and other local hotels. We have a full list of all the hotels eligible for Early Theme Park Entry here.
However, ONLY guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts have access to Extended Evening Hours, which allow you to stay in certain parks on select nights after they close. But the big question: would YOU be willing to shell out Deluxe resort prices for this perk? Here’s what our readers said!
What’s the longest day you’ve ever had at Disney World?
We’ve spent quite a few hours in Disney World.
We’ve had some very tiring ones — festival opening days are particularly busy here at DFB, as well as any day that a new ride or land opens in the parks. And we’ve done the rope drop to park close thing more times than we can count! But, if you’re looking for a truly LONG day at Disney World…like the longest you can ACTUALLY pull off being in the parks right now…we’ve got a new challenge for you!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
